How to Grow Dreadlocks

To some dreadlocks seem like the ideal no fuss hairstyle, but they do take some work to start and maintain. You can go to a salon that specialized in dreading and have your locks started and maintained professionally. You can also start your locks at home. There are several different ways to start locks. Comb coils usually work best with shorter hair. Palm rolls work on longer hair. Two strand and three strand twists can be used on all lengths of hair.

Things You'll Need

• small rat tail comb
• locking gel

Instructions

Comb Coil

1. Part a section of hair. Apply locking gel to the section. The section of hair that you twist should be pretty small. As locks mature they will get thicker. Keep that in mind when your deciding how big you want to make your locks.

2. Start to comb that section of hair and stop when the comb is midway down the section of hair.

3. Use the comb to twist the section of hair. Twist the comb around making a tight coil in that section of hair.

4. Twist the comb, pull the comb down slowly through the section of hair. When the comb is completely out of the section the hair should be in a tight coil. Repeat this method on all of your hair.

Palm Roll

1. Section off some hair. Applying locking gel to the section.

2. Put your palms together with the section of hair between them.

3. Push one hand up and the other one down so that the section of hair gets rolled. This will create a coil in the hair.

4. Continue this technique until the entire section is tightly coiled. Repeat on all of your hair.

Two Strand Twists

1. Section off a piece of hair. Apply locking gel to the section.

2. Divide the section into two strands.

3. Twist these two strands together one over the other until you get to the end. Repeat on all of your hair.

Three Strand Twists

1. Section off a piece of hair. Apply locking gel to the section.

2. Divide the section into three strands.

3. Anchoring the center strand, twist the two outside strands around it the same direction. It's like the two outer strands are chasing each other. Do this until you get to the end of the section. Repeat on all your hair.

Maintenance

1. Find a product to use in your locks that doesn't cause a lot of buildup. Products that are too thick and heavy stay in your locks and makes them look dirty. Avoid products containing bee's wax.

2. Shampoo your hair. You need to keep your locks clean so that they stay soft. Experiment to find what washing routine is best for you.

3. After you shampoo your hair apply whatever products you've decided to use. Oil helps keep the hair from drying out and a locking gel to helps hold your locks in.

4. Twist the root to keep them tight. If your locks are still new you'll need to twist the base of each lock after you've washed your hair and clip the base to hold the twist tight until the locks dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Your dreadlocks may not look like you want in the early stages. Hang in there are as they lock and grow they will look better and better.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish